Edition: Chicago Architecture 101
Celebrity Concierge Devin Hester
Author: By Amber Holst
Hester, the Chicago Bears’ speedy return man, is back just month’s off his record-breaking first season (accolades include the first ever opening-kickoff return for a touchdown in a Super Bowl and the maxium 100 rating for speed in the latest version of Madden). Despite his busy schedule, Hester found time to sit down with Concierge Preferred to chat about his ideal day in his new hometown.
9:00 a.m.
I love showing my family members and friends a good time. Depending who is in town, and how many, sort of dictates where I’d go. But today, I’m taking my cousin out for breakfast at Denny’s. I live in the Northern Suburbs, so there aren’t as many options, but the food there is always solid and they have a wide variety. I’d get Moons over My Hammy, it’s a classic and one of my favorites.
10:30 a.m.
After breakfast, we’d hop in my ’72 Chevy Impala and cruise downtown. I love cars, have a variety of them (though they are all the same color), but for the two of us we’d kick it old school in the Impala. I’d take Sheridan Road down to Lake Shore Drive. It’s so scenic and the Lake is beautiful and great to show off to friends or family that are in town.
11:30 p.m.
Now that we’re downtown, I’d park the car and we’d just walk the strip along the Magnificent Mile. In the middle of the day there’s so many people out and it’s one of the best things to do downtown. Just cruise around, people
1:00 p.m.
After kickin’ it along Michigan Avenue, we’d head over to ESPN Zone (43 E. Ohio St., 312-644-3776) which is my favorite spot downtown. I’d get their BBQ Chicken Pizza and order at least 3 or 4 glasses of pineapple juice (the only juice I drink), and then get ready to play some games upstairs. I would probably play myself in Madden.
5:00 p.m.
I’m a big basketball fan. I’d catch either a Chicago Bulls (United Center) or Sky (UIC Pavilion) game. Being an athlete and watching a game in floor seats really makes a huge difference. You’re in on the action, and know what they are going through, and it’s just really exciting.
10:00 p.m.
When I’m entertaining, I like to show people a good time. So we would hit the clubs. I usually bring a lot of people with me and go to places like SoundBar (226 W. Ontario St., 312-787-4480), Cherry Red (2833 N. Sheffield Ave., 773-477-3661), or SpyBar (646 N. Franklin St., 312- 587-8779). I feel I do enough dancing in the end zone, so I usually just kick back. I’m more of an observer at the clubs. I do have good moves, but those are
ESPN Zone
43 E. Ohio St., Chicago, IL 60611
ESPN Zone mixes the fun of an arcade with the excitement of a sporting event, serving deliciously fun food.
Sound Bar
226 W. Ontario St., Chicago, IL 60610
Legendary Chicago nightclub. Trendy, upscale. Featured in the movie, The Break-Up. * Has been designated a Concierge favorite.
